what to expect at your first ftc tournament · 2011-09-22 · • purpose: this presentation is...
TRANSCRIPT
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What to Expect at Your First FTC Tournament
Eric Grajales
Mike Nicolai
September 17, 2011
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Welcome
• Purpose: This presentation is intended to inform teams as to what they may expect when attending their first event in terms of the inspection process and getting ready to compete.
• Things we will cover: – Things to know before your first event. – Samantha overview (competition control system). – Inspection process overview (h/w & s/w). – Tips and tricks (best practices).
• This presentation is meant more for rookie teams, but contains information to benefit veteran teams as well.
• Presentation material available at the FL FIRST website (Team Resources)
• Please ask questions as you have them.
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Software basics
• Two different programming platforms are provided in the FTC kit: – ROBOTC – Classical C programming. – LabVIEW – Drag and drop programming.
• Two Different programming environments and experiences, but same results.
• Each have their own firmware that needs to be uploaded to the NXT (included
with programming environment, but watch for updates).
• Each has a specific programming template which teams must start with and add their custom code to (comes with the programming environment).
• Each provides facilities for manipulating files (upload/download/delete) on the NXT, controlling the robot (like in a match) and flashing the NXT with new firmware
• Make sure you use this seasons software (programming environment, firmware, and templates).
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Preparing your NXT.
There are a few “Must Dos” to ready your NXT for competition:
• All NXT modules need to be upgraded to the latest respective firmware (LabVIEW or ROBOTC).
• Your NXT name is your robot’s identity. You must set it to your 4 digit team number (i.e. 0123). If a team has more then one NXT, append a letter (i.e. 0123A). Naming the NXT is done through a utility in your programming environment.
• Adjust the Sleep Setting on your NXT so it doesn’t fall asleep on the job (minimum of 30 minutes recommended). This is done from your NXT.
• Optional: Recommend to turn off your NXT Blue Tooth capability at the competition. This is done from your NXT.
Software inspection checks for these items.
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Samantha
• A new 802.11 based control system which augments (almost replaces) the NXT Bluetooth connectivity.
• Intended to be more reliable and responsive than the native NXT Bluetooth solution.
• Samantha is only used for controlling the robot via the Field Control System (FCS) which will be used at each competition.
• Programming, downloading, and debug via Samantha is supported with RobotC Version 3.0+
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Connectivity Programming and Control
• USB direct connect
• Bluetooth
• Samantha (RobotC Only)
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FCS Competition Connectivity
FCS <--> Router <--> Samantha <--> NXT
Router
FCS
Ethernet
Wi-Fi
USB
USB
USB
USB
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Things to know about the Samantha Module
• There is a button on the Samantha module that you must press at certain
times. Make sure you can get to it.
• There is a USB connector (Female-A) on the Samantha module which you must access during software inspection.
• You may wish to direct connect your NXT to your laptop for programming during a competition. You must unplug Samantha from the NXT to do this and reconnect it before your next match.
• Samantha has 3 LED lights that give lots of information. Make sure they are easily viewed.
Conclusion: DON’T BURY YOUR SAMANTHA MODULE INSIDE YOUR BOT!
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More things about Samantha
• You can use Samantha right out of the box, but will require some home network reconfiguration.
OR • You can use Samantha with your existing home network (as is),
but will require some Samantha reconfiguration.
• If you modify the Samantha configuration for your home network, you will need to change it back in order to use it in the pit area at an event.
• You can do all your development without ever using Samantha, HOWEVER, you MUST use Samantha at the competitions.
• Recommend testing your Samantha well in advance of your first event to insure that it works!!!!
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Samantha Resources
Resources available to you at the FIRST website:
• Online documentation
• Samantha Help (Forums)
• Problem reporting / enhancement request system
• Samantha Telecom recording
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2011 Field Control System (FCS)
• There will be a competition field network (secure) and a pit area network (unsecure). Your Samantha module (robot) will be able to operate on either network.
• There will be one central FCS station controlling all robots on the competition field. This year you can leave your laptop in your pit if you wish.
• Your Samantha module must have a network password installed in
order to connect to the competition field network. This password will be installed as part of s/w inspection.
• Teams may connect their laptops and Samantha modules to the pit area network (pit area) and control their robot using their own copy of FCS (no password required).
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2011 Field Control System (FCS)
• Alternately, teams can still use Bluetooth in the pit if they want to modify and test their code. However, it is recommended to turn off Bluetooth on the NXT during a match.
• Teams can also direct connect via USB instead of using NXT Bluetooth or the FCS while in the pit. This will allow teams to modify their programs and file system.
• You can have the FCS display your teams logo during the match. VERY COOL!!!! Just create a gif image file and load on your NXT (see FCS instructions for details).
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At the Contest
LOTS TO DO!!! – Typical schedule • Arrival and Check in (~ 7:30 AM) • Setup your Pit area • H/W inspection • S/W inspection • Judges Interview • Practice Matches • Opening ceremony (~ 10:30 AM) • Qualifying matches (lunch) • Elimination matches • Awards and closing.
} Lots to do in 3 hours!!!
Helps to Be Organized
And Stay Focused
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Software Inspection
Objectives: • Insure that the NXT is configured properly for competition. • Configure Samantha for the competition field. • Insure that the robot works as expected. • Insure that the team’s drivers and coach know the match
process.
Two parts of s/w inspection: • Configuration check • Field test
S/W inspection sheet available in the game manual.
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Software Inspection
NXT/Samantha configuration check: • NXT Firmware version OK? • Proper team number configured? • Sleep timer 30 minutes or greater? • Install competition field network keys. • Connects to the FCS?
Field test. • Does the bot behave?
• Waits, moves, stops, and pauses.
• Does the drive team behave? • Knows Where/when to queue for match? • Knows how to setup on the field? • Know their signals (ready, need help, etc)? • Know what to do at end of match?
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Hardware Inspection
Each team will get the sole attention of a hardware inspector for 15-30 minutes. They will check to insure that the robot meets all the robot rules stated in the “BOWLED Over!” game manual.
• Teams must provide a Bill Of Materials (BOM) containing all <R5>c type parts. These are the “allowed” non Tetrix / Lego / HiTechnic parts on the bot. A sample BOM is provided in the game manual.
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Hardware Inspection
• Teams have access to the same inspection sheet that will be used by the inspectors. Make sure to do a self inspection before the event and fix all issues found. The hardware inspection sheet is provided in the game manual.
• Not all h/w inspectors are created equal. Two inspectors
may catch different things or have different opinions as to what is a sharp edge. Play it safe and be thorough and conservative when possible (i.e. leave no doubt!!!).
• Don’t forget your flag holder and team number of the prescribed size.
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Inspection Wrap-up
• Teams must meet ALL software rules to pass software inspection.
• Teams must meet ALL hardware rules to pass hardware inspection.
• You cannot compete until you pass both inspections.
• Make passing your inspections a priority.
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Tips and Best Practices
• Make sure your bot is ready well before the event.
• Do your own inspections BEFORE the event.
– Have several students do a h/w and s/w inspection and fix any issues they find.
– Have a mentor do a final inspection (inspection challenge).
• Pack in advance and Don’t forget anything (including your laptop and robot code).
• Put your team number on everything: tools, batteries, chargers, laptops,
NXT, cables, and even the kids.
• Make sure to charge all your batteries before the event (laptop, NXT, and Tetrix).
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Tips and Best Practices
• Bring a “loose” copy of your code (USB thumb drive, CD-ROM, etc).
• Get to the event early (extra time is your friend)!!!
• Plan ahead for meals. Lunch can generally be purchased from the event
organizers.
• Bring an extra power strip. An open Receptacle is often hard to find (let alone two)
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Tips and Best Practices
Big fan of checklist: • Create and use checklists.
– “Take to the event” checklist.
– Pre-match checklist.
– Post-match checklist.
Pre-Match Checklist: • Turn on NXT • Turn on Tetrix • Select Appropriate Auto Program • etc
Post-Match Checklist:
• Return all field elements (Flag, balls, etc)
• Check for loose cables, parts, etc
• Turn off NXT and battery
• Test battery charge
• etc
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Tips and Best Practices
Have a robot cart.
– Serves as a convenient work platform. – Prevents students from having to carry the bot (less risk to students
and robot). – Place to carry emergency tools, parts, and batteries. – Suggest inflatable wheels on your cart (less vibration, no scratching of
gym floors). – “Deluxe model” - 12V battery and inverter for on board charging
TETRIX batteries and laptops. – “A cool robot ride” - Ground effects lighting would be a fun project for
the kids and add some excitement and showmanship.
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Resource Links
• FIRST FTC programming page (ROBOTC and LabVIEW): – http://usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/programming
• Samantha documentation and resources: – http://usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/samantha-resources
• Samantha Forums – http://ftcforum.usfirst.org/
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Have a Fun Time!!!
Thank you for attending this presentation. Good luck this season and I hope to see everyone at
the FIRST FTC 2012 World Championship in St. Louis!!!
Eric Grajales and Mike Nicolai